Mercedes claims CLA180 BlueEfficiency is world’s most aerodynamic production car

Mercedes-Benz claims the new CLA180 BlueEfficiency Edition is the world’s most aerodynamic series production road car, with an overall drag co-efficient of 0.22.

Compared to the CLA’s cD figure, Toyota’s Prius is rated at 0.25 and the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics at 0.26. How did Mercedes-Benz achieve this result? Key to the car’s slippery surface is its smaller frontal area. This particular model also features a number of enhancements including an enhancement on the headlamps surround sealing, redesigned front apron, serrated spoilers that lead the air straight to the wheelhouse and its adjustable radiator shutter.

The new wind tunnel of Mercedes-Benz at its R&D facility in Sindelfingen shows that the company aims to continue its aerodynamic development. The facility also has a rolling road and has the capability of measuring performance up to speeds of 165 mph. The wind tunnel of the University of Stuttgart has been the main evaluation location of the company.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 Blue Efficiency Edition features a four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine that was developed together with Renault. The engine offers 120 bhp and a torque of 147 lb-ft (200 Nm). The CLA can reach speeds of up to 118mph and can go from 0 to 62 mph in 9.9 seconds.